In preparation for the new season Leeds Carnegie Basketball will take on BBL giants Newcastle Eagles in a friendly match at the Leeds Metropolitan University Arena. The game is scheduled for Saturday 14th September at 7:30pm.
Newcastle are the most successful club in British basketball history having won the league title five out of the last eight years including a clean sweep of all four domestic trophies in 2005/06 and 20011/12.
Newcastle Eagles Head Coach Fab Flournoy said “We are looking forward to travelling to Leeds. It’s been a successful programme in recent years and we are excited to be making our first visit as a club. All of our new recruits will be present so we are looking to have a good run as part of our pre-season preparation”
Carnegie have spent the off season bringing together what will be a championship contending roster and the game against the Eagles will not only provide them with a tough test but will also be the first time that the fans will get to see the new team in action.
Leeds Carnegie Head Coach Matt Newby is excited by the prospect of playing such a high calibre team saying “The opportunity to match up with the Eagles is a huge privilege and an excellent marker in terms of where we are going as a programme. It’s a chance to look at the pedigree of our players and identify where we are and what we have to do to be competitive.”
Coach Newby is also looking forward to the season ahead saying “With the opportunity to test ourselves against one of the country’s most successful franchises in the history of the BBL, it will be awesome preparation for the BBL Trophy and what promises to be one of our most exciting Division 1 campaigns ever.”
Fans will also be able to experience the new 730sqm Carnegie Basketball Fanzone which will open at 5pm. The Fanzone will feature a shootaround area run by the clubs community basketball coaches. There will also be a licensed bar, hot food vendors, big screen TVs showing basketball action as well as a new club shop.
Tickets will cost £6 for adults, £3 for concessions and £15 for a family ticket (2 adults + 2 children). Tickets went on sale today through the club’s website with a limited number being available on the door – www.leedscarnegiebasketball.co.uk.
